The bill amends the Rhode Island Works Program by updating definitions and eligibility criteria for cash assistance. Notable changes include the replacement of the term "woman" with "person" and redefining the onset of pregnancy from "the seventh month" to "onset" for determining when a pregnant person is considered part of a family. The bill also revises the roles of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor and Training in overseeing job search activities and extends the duration of job-search and job-readiness assistance. It adds provisions for various support services, such as life-skills training and substance abuse treatment, and clarifies terms like "work supplementation," which is limited to a 12-month period with the expectation of continued employment.

The bill sets forth conditions for eligibility, including residency and citizenship requirements, and removes the waiting period for lawful permanent residents to receive benefits. It mandates compliance with program requirements and the development of an individual employment plan. The bill also specifies income exclusions when determining eligibility and sets a 60-month lifetime limit on cash assistance, with exceptions for hardship cases. Changes in language make the bill more inclusive, and it introduces a new payment standard of at least 50% of the poverty guideline. Work requirements are detailed for parents, with exemptions for certain circumstances, and sanctions for non-compliance are modified. The bill repeals the "full family sanction" for non-compliance with employment plans and outlines a process for addressing non-compliance with work requirements. It is set to take effect upon passage and includes provisions to increase monthly cash benefits to 50% of the federal poverty level starting July 1, 2023.